The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Speech and Debate Team ended another successful year with both speech and debate as national runners up.
The Debate Team placed second in Lincoln Douglas Debate at the National Forensic Association’s National Tournament held at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, April 17-21.
More than 100 students from around the country competed. This year, the Huskers qualified 19 students for the national tournament, an all-time national record. The top 40 students qualified for elimination rounds, including nine Huskers.
The team was led by Zachary Wallenburg of Lenexa, Kansas, and Nevin Butler of Omaha. Wallenburg was named the sixth best speaker at the tournament, advancing to the round of 16, and Butler advanced to the final eight.
The debate team was led to success by Justin Kirk, director of debate, and Andrew Swai, graduate assistant coach.
“This result is the achievement of every member of this squad," Kirk said. "No matter what their experience level, everyone contributed to this success and deserves praise. I am immensely proud of the work we were able to complete this year and look forward to this team's future successes.”
The Cornhuskers are two-time team champions (2022 and 2023) and have won the individual tournament championship twice (2018 and 2023).
“We have the opportunity to work with some special students, and we take great pride that we are one of a few universities in the nation to be ranked highly in both speech and debate," Aaron Duncan, director of speech and debate, said. "In 1871, UNL created the Paladin Debate Society as its first student activity and 154 years later, we are humbled to have the opportunity to participate and add this legacy.
"Now is a wonderful time to remember the importance of debate, discussion and dialogue. We owe a great debt to the Department of Communication Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences, alumni, and the Chancellor’s Office for valuing and supporting this activity.”
The Speech Team finished second at the American Forensic Association’s National Speech Tournament on April 5-7 at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.
The Speech and Debate team is part of UNL’s Department of Communication Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.
